Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Victor Valdepenas ahead of a possible transfer bid for the Real Madrid defender next summer, according to reports in Spain.
Valdepenas, also known as Valde, has established himself as one of the shining lights of Madrid’s academy having returned to the club in 2022 following a brief stint with Leganes’ youth team.
Comfortable playing at both centre-back and left-back, Valdepenas’ versatility has proven a valuable asset for Madrid’s reserves this season.
The left-footed 19-year-old has played a total of 888 minutes across the campaign for Real Madrid Castilla, who are managed by Alvaro Arbeloa and sit fourth in the Primera Federacion after 16 games.
But on Sunday, Valdepenas made his first-team breakthrough for Los Blancos as Xabi Alonso rewarded the youngster’s outstanding form with a place in his starting XI to take on Alaves in La Liga.
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Although his mistake led to Alaves’ equaliser in Madrid’s 2-1 win, Valdepenas was praised by Alonso in the aftermath and the teenager has retained his place in the squad to face Talavera in the Copa del Rey last 16.
While Valdepanas is highly thought of at Madrid, ESPN claim his rapid progress has begun to attract the attention of a number of top across Europe.
It’s claimed Premier League leaders Arsenal are ‘closely monitoring’ Valdepanas, as are several Bundesliga sides, including Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
The report adds that while Madrid’s hierarchy are yet to receive any bids for Valdepanas, they are bracing themselves for offers from potential suitors next summer.
For now, Valdepanas is said to be ‘ fully focused on his development’ and keen to kick on at Madrid after realising a dream by making his senior debut in La Liga at the weekend.
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However, the situation could change down the line if the Spain Under-19 international does not see a realistic pathway to regular first-team minutes at the Bernabeu.
Valdepanas’ current contract with Madrid runs through to June 2029.
‘Valde made his debut and I congratulate him for that,’ Madrid boss Alonso said of the teen’s debut against Alaves.
‘And I congratulate him not only for his debut, but also for the match he played.
‘He competed well and was very steady in his performance.’
Valdepanas, whose mother was pictured proudly watching on from the stands, thanked his team-mates for helping put him at ease in the match.
‘My debut? I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,’ he said.
‘But my team-mates reassured me on the pitch and I thank them for that.’
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